Christmas Spirit

I have a lovely group of students this year. So far, I have received three Christmas gifts which is a record!

One of my students gave me her gift and said, "I wanted to give you something to remind you that you have friends and that you are known." I was recently explaining to her that I often get left out of the loop at work, so I don't always know the lastest news. I rely heavily upon my students, in fact, to share with me what is going on in the company. I am the only employee in my department and the only one who does what I do. Sometimes it feels lonely. I was really touched by her thoughtfulness.

Later in her session, I asked her if her children believe in Santa Claus. She said no, they are Vietnamese and only celebrate Christmas to go along with everyone else. I was again touched by her thoughtfulness in remembering me. Even if her family doesn't celebrate Christmas in a traditional American way, she had fully embraced the spirit of Christmas by her reasoning in giving me a gift.

Sometimes, amidst the commercialism of the season, we can forget what true Christmas spirit is. Jesus coming to earth as a little baby was the beginning of all hope for mankind. The Father gave Him to us to remind us that we were not forgotten. The Father sent Him to show us that we were known. When we give our loved ones gifts, we are extending that same love and grace.

I love you. I know you. You are not forgotten.

"I still think the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, just having no one...That is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience." --Mother Teresa